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The story of Gli Opera was born from the ruins of the old Gens. It was 1975 when Filiberto Ricciardi, the voice and mind of the Sicilian band, decided to form a new group after the Gens, and name it with the challenging name 'Gli Opera', alongside both old and new musicians, particularly Pino Allegra, Pippo Mantineo, and Vincenzo Maccagnani.
Undoubtedly underrated in their musical environment, for a handful of years they represented one of the diamonds in the genre, though they remained unknown to many for a long time. They never managed to record a real album, but through a vast production of singles, they produced about twenty songs. Truly beautiful songs, obviously when related to the genre they were part of. The extra touch was undoubtedly Filiberto Ricciardi. A truly beautiful voice, dreamy and sweet, light and suitable for what he sang. It can be said that Gli Opera were embodied in Ricciardi, author and voice of the group's greatest successes. Singles, as we said. Some important, others not at all, and others even brought to Sanremo. It was indeed 1976 when Gli Opera presented 'L'ho persa ancora' at the festival, one of the group's most beautiful songs. And it was 1975 when with 'Donna di chi' they participated in the Festivalbar.
It's worth taking a look at the few (but more than valid) songs in Gli Opera's production. Incredible how already with the first single they had undertaken their musical path, without too many deviations. I am speaking of the beautiful 'Innamorati', a wonderful nostalgic tale of a woman from the past, all supported by a beautiful piano background (Prendimi anche l'anima, e la notte diventava già mattino). The following year saw the release of 'Donna di chi', which according to the writer is not up to par, but worth mentioning for the band's participation in the Festivalbar with this song, as already written. The B-side is also beautiful, with 'Se tu se mai'. But nothing compared to the songs of the following years. In 1976 the first participation in Sanremo, with the beautiful 'L'ho persa ancora'. Listen to believe. Again a beautiful piano to support Filiberto's splendid voice, dealing with a tale of a difficult and melancholic relationship. The refrain is unforgettable for the writer, gosh, beautiful. And it doesn't end here. Another magnificent track, 'Lei bambina lei signora', another pearl of the genre, rich in metaphors with a backdrop of natural elements to the much-loved woman. Again a piano, beautiful interpretation, a sweetness I would dare say is almost rare, splendid voice. A light and gentle track, certainly among the most beautiful of the genre (Lei bambina lei signora/Lei innocenza dell'aurora/Lei stupore lei la sera/Malinconia lontana). The B-side of the single is the beautiful (but not up to the A-side just described) 'Cara'.
1977. A crucial year, as someone reminds me. The most famous (and in my opinion most beautiful) track by Gli Opera, the superb 'Stelle su di noi'. Where to start? Let's start by saying I am emotionally involved, and therefore I can only speak well of it. One of the tracks that brings back memories, and even though I don't like projecting myself into my reviews, in this case, it seemed appropriate. 'Stelle su di noi', let's say it immediately, resembles in its introduction the famous 'A Whiter Shade Of Pale' by the immortal and pioneering Procol Harum. Two slightly similar organ parts. But it doesn't matter. The strong point I believe is the simplicity. The instruments come together in a more than pleasant way, the organ especially bursts forth with an almost overwhelming sweetness. The lyrics, even simple, tell through Ricciardi's usual voice, a heartbreaking adolescent story, narrated among the beauties of the nighttime sea and starry sky. 3 minutes and a little more that fly by, a song I would say more than successful, absolutely in my Top 5 tracks of this genre from the 70s. The words are unforgettable (Poi nel silenzio mi vuoi/ E stelle su di noi).
After '77 something changed. Gli Opera tried to take a step that was too large. They ventured into attempts (unsuccessfully) to enter a 'prog' scene that was not suited for the group. Tracks like 'Re Salomone' or 'Aria, acqua, terra e fuoco' suffer from overambition, marking, ultimately, a period of terrible decline, marked by completely negligible tracks. It seems that the only really beautiful song from this period is 'Il diario dei segreti' from 1979, which has nothing to do with the prog attempts (as if the boys from Messina had admitted their mistake and tried to go back to doing what they did best). A beautiful track, the story of the protagonist secretly spying the diary of the girl, described as very young, discovering how much she is in love. The desires to make love for the first time, shyness, and fears.
1981 was the last year for Gli Opera. The band shut down, with only a handful of unconvincing songs. It seems that Filiberto Ricciardi pursued a career as a tenor. What can I say, we are left with a handful of really beautiful tracks, to rediscover, with the sound of vinyl that only adds value to the sweet compositions. One of the least famous but most beautiful groups of the genre.
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